Peer Support Specialist - Syracuse Community Connections : Job Details

About the Organization Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility, Inc. (SMNF), a non-profit organization was established in 1975. SMNF is the managing entity of the city of Syracuse-owned Syracuse Community Connections located at 401 South Avenue in the city of Syracuse. Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility, Inc. provides a network of human services throughout Onondaga County. The agency has particular experience in service provision to predominately African American, low-income residents. Through special events, outreach efforts, prevention, intervention, employment, and educational services, support, peer, and mentoring groups, and collaborative programs - people throughout the city and county interact with and benefit from agency services. Description Syracuse Community Connections seeks a Peer Support Specialist for the FACES (Facing Adversity in Community Education and Support) program. The Specialist will provide community education, community engagement, support counseling, and testing in the areas of HIV, HCV, and other communicable infections. The Specialist will conduct focused education and outreach to vulnerable populations. There is travel within Onondaga County, as well as some weekend duties. Reporting to the Program Coordinator, the individual will assist in coordinating program activities, data collection, stakeholder engagement, and administrative tasks to ensure the successful execution of the program. Responsibilities:Program Support:

• Provide ongoing follow-up, basic motivational interviewing, and goal setting with clients.
• Provide information on STI prevention and treatment, including substance use and support to individuals, families, and other stakeholders
• .Maintain client records in accordance with prudent, generally accepted record-keeping procedures, as defined by FACES and as required by law, grants, and contracts.s
• Conducts client intakes and assessments
• Attends all team, agent,cy, and community meetings as required
• Answer phone calls and inquiries concerning FACES services,and engagedd in supportive services offered, such as the diaper bank
• Maintain strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clientsconversationsn,s and referrals
• Be active and assertive in the community in efforts to engage the targeted population
• Conducts HIV testing and counseling at various community and in-house events
• Prepares and disseminates educational materials
• Prepares and submits service reports/data and narratives
• Other duties as assigned

Community Engagement:

• Support outreach efforts to engage key populations and community stakeholders in program activities.
• Attend community events and meetings to represent the organization and build relationships with partners and collaborators.

Responsibilities: Program Support: Provide ongoing follow-up, basic motivational interviewing,ng and goal setting with clients. Provide information on STI prevention and treatment, including substance use and support to individuals, families,s and other stakeholders .Maintain client records in accordance with prudent, generally accepted record-keeping procedures, as defined by FACES and as required by law, grants, and contract.s Conducts client intakes and assessments Attends all team, agent,cy and community meetings as required Answer phone calls and inquiries concerning FACES services, andengaged in supportive services offered, such as the diaper bank Maintain strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clients, conversation,s and referrals Be active and assertive in the community in efforts to engage the targeted population Conducts HIV testing and counseling at various community and in-house events Prepares and disseminates educational materials Prepares and submits service reports/data and narratives Other duties as assigned Community Engagement: Support outreach efforts to engage key populations and community stakeholders in program activities. Attend community events and meetings to represent the organization and build relationships with partners and collaborators. Qualifications and Requirements: Certified as a peer specialist (preferably in the state of New York) High school diploma or equivalent required Have an understanding of HIV. Interest in integrating personal experience with linkage, retenti,on and adherence into work with clients. Understanding of the community served Knowledge of relevant community resources and methods for accessing them. Good communication skills, such as listening wll, and using language appropriately Ability to work flexible hours to address client needs. Interest or experience in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional health care services. Ability to communicate and work effectively with clients and staff from diverse backgrounds. Ability and willingness to provide emotional support, encouragement, and motivation to clients. Basic computer skills. Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively. Experience working in a public health setting or with community-based organizations is a plus. BENEFITS The salary for this position is $23.00- $24.00 per hour. Syracuse Community Connections offers competitive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, a Health Savings Account, along with an Employee Assistance Program, a 403 (b) Retirement Plan, and PTO/Sick Leave. ADDITIONAL DETAILS This is a part-time, non-exempt position based in Syracuse, NY. Some travel will be required. Relocation is not available for this role. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time. Full-Time/Part-Time Part-Time Shift Days EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. This position is currently accepting applications.